WACKER Completes Capacity Expansion

WACKER Completes Capacity Expansion for Dispersions and Powders in Nanjing WACKER Completes Capacity Expansion for Dispersions and Powders in Nanjing The capacity increase for vinyl-acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at WACKER's Nanjing plant in China was officially inaugurated today. The development more than doubles WACKER's production capacity in Nanjing with a new reactor for dispersions and a new spray dryer for dispersible polymer powders, allowing it to fulfill rising customer demand for its premium binders, particularly from China's booming construction industry. WACKER made an approximate USD 100 million investment in its integrated production site as part of the growth plan. "China is the world's largest construction market, covering about 20 percent of global construction expenditure. Our VAE dispersions and dispersible powders enable us to supply the growing construction market in China with binders for various applications such as ceramic tile adhesives, waterproofing membranes or carpets. This capacity expansion in Nanjing strengthens our position as the global leader for vinyl-acetate-ethylene dispersions and polymer powders", noted Christian Hartel, Chief Executive Officer of Wacker Chemie AG. What is more, China is already one of the world's most important adhesive markets. "Our new plant is close to our customers, thereby supporting their growth even more effectively", added Peter Summo, who heads the WACKER POLYMERS business division. During the inauguration ceremony, Alvin Hu, President of WACKER China, stated that the expansion demonstrated WACKER's strong focus on the market in China. "The capacity expansion project at the Nanjing site is a milestone for WACKER China. With the expansion, we have at the same time reserved sufficient space for subsequent production lines, allowing for the rapid construction of future expansion projects. It will not only meet increasing customer demand in China, but also provide WACKER with sufficient capacity for its long-term development in the region." [caption id="attachment_153102" align="aligncenter"] Photos Source: (WACKER)[/caption] The expansion of WACKER's Nanjing facility represents a total investment of more than USD 100 million. The annual manufacturing capacity of VAE dispersions and VAE dispersible polymer powders at the facility has more than doubled. The VAE dispersions project is built on a sophisticated dispersion-polymerization process and a safety control system that complies with high standards, making the entire process cutting edge in this industry. The new VAE dispersible polymer powder production line uses cutting-edge spray-drying technology and has a sophisticated process control system (APC). The two brand-new facilities are the largest of their kind in the entire world. One of the four production facilities that WACKER POLYMERS operates worldwide is in Nanjing. The new VAE dispersible polymer powder production line uses a sophisticated process control system and advanced spray-drying technology (APC). The two new facilities are the largest of their kind on earth. One of the four production locations WACKER POLYMERS operates worldwide is in Nanjing. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Source